Aging in the Netherlands: state of the art and science.

The population of the Netherlands is aging, although it is still relatively young in comparison with the population of most other European countries. As Dutch society transitions from a welfare state to a society based more on individual responsibility, the increasingly well-educated and financially well-off elderly people wish to exert more control over their own lives. Research and education in the field of aging have grown rapidly over the past few decades, along with variety in research focus and methodology. In addition, funding organizations nowadays stress the importance of participation of older adults in research studies and the usability of research findings to society. Thus, academic and applied research is expected to thrive and contribute to the autonomy, health, and well-being of Dutch elders, while also providing insight into physical, mental, social, and financial aspects of aging. Thanks to these insights, public debate is focusing not only on the costs of health care and pensions but also on older generations' autonomy and contributions to society.